How Did So Many Missionaries Spread The Gospel

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Early in Christian history, churches and monasteries started sending missionaries all over the world to spread their faith. However, not all churches had the same evangelistic method. Some missionaries translated the bible into other languages, while others believed the Bible should only be in Latin (Beck, lecture 9/19). Some missionaries tried to immediately Europeanize other continents, while others have a more positive, tolerant attitude towards other cultures (Beck, lecture 9/19). Despite their differences, they each had strengths and a common drive that helped advance the gospel. All missionaries had the advance of possessing a strong passion for Christ. Without this passion to fuel their missions, many Christians would have stopped ministering in unwelcoming countries or in the midst of persecution. Without the drive to spread the gospel, Robert Morrison might not have worked so hard to illegally translate the Bible into Chinese and smuggle it into China …show more content…
He was a Jesuit astronomer and mathematician who spread the gospel throughout China. Invited into China because of his mathematical and astronomy expertise, Ricci’s passion for Christ called him to take advantage of this opportunity to share the word of God within China’s closed society (Beck, lecture 9/21). Instead of trying to change their way of life, Ricci gained their respect and companionship by “live[ing] as a Chinese” (Catholic Answers Magazine). He wore the garb of a Chinese scholar, honored their culture and traditions, and was even the first foreigner allowed in the Forbidden City (Beck, lecture 9/21). Highly revered, he is eventually granted the freedom to preach and set up churches (Beck, 9/21). As one article accurately states, “[Ricci] was motivated by his love of Christ and desire to bring that love to others…[and] committed to his crucified Lord and his commission to baptize all people” (Catholic Answers